Charles and Melissa Johnson have been invited to help the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian’s Zambia Synod expand its ministry of community development and food security. Charles will serve as a development specialist, and Melissa will support him in this role. They will focus heavily on developing the Chasefu Model Farm, an agricultural project of Chasefu Theological College. The farm feeds the students and also provides opportunities for future pastors to learn agricultural techniques. The intent is for pastors to be able to supplement their income through farming and share their agricultural knowledge with the communities they serve. Chasefu Farm also provides local farmers opportunities to learn innovative approaches to agriculture. In addition to agriculture, the Johnsons will work with the CCAP on projects related to clean water, micro-credit, health, and education.

This morning we celebrate the Sacrament of Communion. The invitation to the Lord’s Supper is extended to all persons of faith present, remembering that being invited to the Table is not extended to us because of merit, but a grace extended to all. There may be those in attendance today who have not been baptized, but who feel moved to receive the Lord’s Supper. The Lord’s Supper and Baptism are inseparable. If you feel called by the Holy Spirit to meet Christ in Communion, we believe that you are also being called to Baptism. We will not turn anyone away from the Lord’s Table, but we do invite you to speak to the pastor or a member of the session about Baptism as soon as possible.

Today’s Communion is served by intinction. The congregation will come forward to receive the bread, which they will then dip into the chalice of grape juice. Worshipers will return to their pews by the side aisles. If you need a gluten free wafer, please tell the server.

To Our Members and Guests: please sign our friendship pad.

Welcome to East Brentwood

To Our Members: East Brentwood gladly welcomes first-time and returning visitors. By introducing yourself and sharing a warm greeting, you express the hospitality of our congregation. Please share a smile and welcoming word to those around you.

To Our Guests: We offer education and fellowship opportunities in the mornings and evenings for children, youth and adults. Please see the Calendar of Events for dates and times. Interested in joining East Brentwood? Please speak to John Hilley or Dave Ford after the service.

Our Mission

East Brentwood Presbyterian Church is a community church made up of a loving, welcoming family of believers in honest conversation with God. We seek to emulate the ministry of Jesus through compassionate service, with stimulating and relevant exploration of God’s Word, and by sharing that Word and God’s many blessings with our neighbors in Middle Tennessee and around the world.

Announcements

Presbyterian Women will be meeting on Friday, October 7th at 9:30 a.m. They will be studying lesson 2 in the book, “Who is Jesus”. If you need a book, please contact Cathy Gilbert at (615) 974-5829.

EBPC Name tags! In order to make room for the new hospitality/welcome station, we have relocated the name tag shelves to the Gathering Place. Please be sure to stop by before the service and pick yours up.

Volunteer your talents with our EBPC Worship Team! We are slowly filling our openings for our Sunday Worship Support Teams. At present we have the following needs:

·Worship/Hospitality (Bulletins, Greeters, Offering): Most every Sunday has at least one opening

Please go to our sign-up Genius link to select your role and date(s) that you are willing and able to serve. Please contact Worship Planning Team Moderator Liz Beatty if you have any questions. Thank you for your ongoing support of our EBPC community!

All are invited to join for a blessing of the animals TODAY at 5:00 p.m.! The blessing of pets and animals is often celebrated on October 4, the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, or near that date. This custom is conducted in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi’s love for all creatures. St. Francis (1182-1226) was a monk who founded the contemporary order of Franciscans. He was known for his vow of poverty and his special connection to animals, among many other things. A Blessing of Animals witnesses to God’s and the Church’s love, care, and concern for creation. As we recognize our mutual interdependence with God’s creatures, the Church’s witness of stewardship of creation is strengthened. It is also a service with special appeal to children. The EBPC Blessing of the Animals service will be held in the Grove beginning at 5:00 p.m. We will process into the Grove. Fellowship and refreshments for all guests will follow. All who attend are encouraged to bring a donation of a dog or cat food item, which will be contributed to the Humane Society of Williamson County.

Calendar Events Coming This Week ~ At a Glance

Sunday, October 2

9:00 a.m. Adult Education

10:00 a.m. Worship

11:00 p.m. Mission & Service Committee

4:00 p.m. PYG for High School Youth

5:00 p.m. Blessing of the Animals service

Monday, October 3

6:00 p.m. Session Meeting

6:00 p.m. Boy Scouts, Troop 86

6:30 p.m. Preschool Open House

Tuesday, October 4

6:08 p.m. 608 for Middle School Youth

6:30 p.m. Preschool Open House

Wednesday, October 5

9:30 a.m. Staff Meeting

6:00 p.m. Adult Learning Circle

6:00 p.m. Kid’s Music & Drama Club

6:30 p.m. Choir Practice

7:30 p.m. Praise Band practice

Friday, October 7

9:00 a.m. Fall Break for Preschool

9:30 a.m. Presbyterian Women

6:30 p.m. Tennessee Tamil Academy

Sunday, October 9

9:00 a.m. Adult Education

10:00 a.m. Worship

4:00 p.m. PYG for High School Youth

Praise and Prayers

†Grant, O God, that your holy and life-giving Spirit may so move every human heart, that the barriers which divide us may crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease, and that, with our divisions healed, we might live in justice and peace; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

†Prayers for the communities in and around Baton Rouge who were severely affected by the historic flooding and for the households and businesses that sustained damage.

† Prayers for Marisa Miller and her family with the losses and health challenges they have had.

†Prayers for continued healing and strength for Steve Bell (our guitarist in the praise band) as he continues recuperating after surgery.

†Prayers for healing and comfort for John Philbrick's sister, Anne Isenberg of St. Augustine, Florida, who was recently diagnosed with cancer.

†Prayers for Amy Philbrick, help in balancing family, career, and health with fibromyalgia.

† Prayers of healing and strength for Kelly McConnell’s mother and prayers of support for Kelly and her family.

†Prayers for Don Rice, friend of the Philbrick family who continues to struggle with cancer.

†Prayers for Frank and Virginia Galloway (Liz Beatty's parents) who are both dealing with health concerns.

† Prayers for the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian’s Zambia Synod and for mission coworkers Charles and Melissa Johnson who are working in Lusaka.

† Prayers for Brent Byers.

If you have a prayer request or celebration that you would like to share, please contact Ralph Comer, Congregational Care moderator by email: recomer49@aol.com or phone: 615.545.5938.

EBPC

East Brentwood Presbyterian Church is a community church made up of a loving, welcoming family of believers in honest conversation with God. We seek to emulate the ministry of Jesus through compassionate service, with stimulating and relevant exploration of God’s Word, and by sharing that Word and God’s many blessings with our neighbors in Middle Tennessee and around the world.